Recreational immunity bill moves to Oregon Senate

A bill that would temporarily protect local jurisdictions and other owners of recreational trails from liability has been approved by the Oregon House of Representatives.

As part of an amendment to Senate Bill 1576, the Legislature is considering shoring up recreational immunity — which protects landowners of recreational facilities from liability so that they are encouraged to keep and maintain trails and other recreational facilities — through 2025.

The House voted 25-2 to approve the bill and it will receive consideration in the Oregon Senate this week. The Senate has scheduled a public hearing for Feb. 27 and a work session for Feb. 29.

Last year, a ruling in Nicole Fields v. the City of Newport complicated liability protections for local governments and landowners of improved trails, leading insurance provider CIS Oregon to recommend that cities close recreational trails. This has purportedly precipitated the closure of some trails along the Oregon Coast.